Kickstart your career with biology
Your future is bright with a biology degree from Bridgewater College. Whether you want to become a researcher, environmental expert or educator, you’ll benefit from our smaller more engaging class sizes, hands-on experience and close faculty mentorship designed to help you succeed.
Our alumni have become successful physicians, research scientists, veterinarians, medical technologists, environmental lawyers, dentists, physical therapists, genetic counselors and forestry and wildlife specialists. You can also add a minor in wildlife biology to add depth to the major.

What to Expect from the Biology Degree Program
- 43 credit hours of courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics that can be flexible and tailored to your career goals.
- Gain real-world experience through faculty-mentored research, summer fieldwork and internships.
- Thanks to tight-knit class structure, students get a high degree of interaction with knowledgeable faculty.
Biology Major Courses
You’ll start with a foundation of core biology courses covering organismal biology, genetics, molecular biology, physiology, ecology and evolution. As you progress, you’ll have the flexibility to specialize through upper-level courses and faculty-mentored research, allowing you to shape your biology degree around your career goals.
Principles of Biology I
BIOL-110
Introduction to the biological sciences, covering biological chemistry, cell/tissue structure and function, genetics and microevolution.
Genetics
BIOL-309
Introduction to both classical, Mendelian inheritance and molecular genetics with one lab per week.
Evolution
BIOL-430
Examination of the mechanisms of biological evolution including mutation, natural selection, genetic drift, and the genetic structure of species populations.
Required Courses Meet the Faculty
Interested in teaching biology?
You can also earn a teaching endorsement in biology in conjunction with the teacher education program.

Program Highlight
CONDUCT CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH
Perform independent research projects during the semester or the summer to apply what you’ve learned hands-on, with guidance from faculty mentors. Start almost immediately.
Careers You Can Pursue with a Biology Degree
A biology degree from Bridgewater College opens the door to a wide range of career paths in healthcare, research, education and industry. Our alumni have landed careers at the FBI, US Department of Energy, Novant Health and Merck pharmaceuticals among others. Their career paths include:
- Medicine and Healthcare
- Nursing and Clinical Lab Sciences
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- Genetics and Genomics
- Laboratory Research
- Marine Biology
- Quality Assurance in Biotech
- Teaching and Education
- Hospital Administration
Chart your path
Start early in your career exploration by working one-on-one with the Center for Career Development and faculty.
Get Involved: Biology and Science Clubs
Get involved in clubs that build professional knowledge, communication and leadership skills such as the Pre-Health Society and TriBeta, the national biological honor society. Be active in club administration, fundraising and event planning.
As a Pre-Health Society member, you’ll have access to information and opportunities to explore a variety of careers in healthcare. Pursue your interest in fields such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, clinical lab sciences, dental hygiene, and physical and occupational therapy.
For more information about joining the Pre-Health Society, contact:
Dr. Robyn Puffenbarger
Dr. Tracy Deem
Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta) National Biological Honor Society
TriBeta (Beta Beta Beta) is a national biological honor society represented at Bridgewater by the Nu Upsilon chapter. It emphasizes scholarship and service through research and education. Potential members must be biology majors with a 3.0 GPA in their major coursework.
Advisor: Ed Lickey
Questions? Contact Us!
- Dr. Kimberly Bolyard, Department Chair
- 540-828-5427
- kbolyard@bridgewater.edu
Similar Programs
Consider double majoring, adding a minor or focusing on a certain area of study.